Breast-flashing video proceeds donated to Katrina victims

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Video makers notorious for filming women flashing their breasts said they will donate revenues from "Girls Gone Wild" episodes tied to Mardi Gras to the Red Cross to help Hurricane Katrina victims.

"Mardi Gras is synonymous with New Orleans and 'Girls Gone Wild' is synonymous with Mardi Gras," Bill Horn of Mantra Films, the southern California company behind "Girls Gone Wild," told AFP.

"We have a personal and profound connection to the city," Horn continued. "We had to do something."

"Girls Gone Wild" crews have roved Mardi Gras annually since the company was founded eight years ago, filming females flashing body parts in exchange for bead necklaces, attention, t-shirts or just for the exposure.

"Girls Gone Wild" will donate to the Red Cross the online purchase prices of each title or package set "that has anything to do with Mardi Gras," including "the very popular 'Girls Gone Wild Doggy Style'," with rapper Snoop Dogg, Horn said.

Nearly a third of the company's 19 titles are linked to Mardi Gras, Horn said.

"I think I'm going to stick to the high road here," HT Linke of the Red Cross in Los Angeles responded when told of the "Girls Gone Wild" donation plans.

"If people make a donation to the Red Cross, we will use it for the intended purpose. Right now, the emergency is the needs of a lot of people."

Mantra films did not notify the Red Cross of its decision.

"I think the Red Cross has more important things to do than hear from us," Horn said. "I'm sure they will appreciate the funds."

Horn said the video proceeds would be diverted to the Red Cross for at least three months, dating back to when Katrina struck Louisiana on August 29. He estimated the donation amount would total thousands of dollars.

Mantra wasn't seeking publicity regarding the donation plans, and no press release was issued, according to Horn.